David Moyes has told Victor Anichebe he would jeopardise his career by walking away from Goodison Park but is hopeful a contract impasse can be resolved with the Everton striker.

Anichebe was given a vote of confidence by Moyes when he started Monday's win at Manchester City, having previously been booed at Goodison over his decision to reject a new three-year contract. He responded with an encouraging display until being sent off for two bookable offences, ruling him out of the Boxing Day game against Birmingham City, and the Everton manager admits he has not given up trying to persuade the 22-year-old to stay.

"I hope it does get sorted because I think it is the right place for him if he really wants to have a career," said Moyes. "Some people might think it's better to leave here, that it might work for them, but in the main I don't think it does. For Victor, if he wants to have a long career, I would try and get this sorted here. I think there's a chance we can get something sorted. I think deep down he probably realises this is the best club for him. He lacks a bit of self-belief at times in himself."

Anichebe has made only 14 appearances in the past two seasons due to injury but Moyes believes the Nigeria international can make an impact at Goodison. The Everton manager, who has not ruled out Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga playing on Boxing Day, despite them struggling with thigh and knee injuries respectively, added: "On his day the boy is a handful. If he starts to believe a bit little more, he can become a really good player. If we can get him on the field often enough, we can make something of him. If you're not out there often enough, it doesn't give you a chance to improve."